A reflection on Mark 6:30-34
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
©2022 by Gloria M. Chang
The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.
When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Mark 6:30-34
I Will Give You Rest
Jesus, who often withdrew to deserted places to pray, understands our need for rest and renewal.1 Intimacy with his heavenly Father gave Jesus the strength to journey from village to village, preaching and healing with his disciples.
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14 (RSV)
When life’s a whirlpool, get into your boat
With Christ, whose Spirit will keep you afloat.
Reference
1 Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:28.
Before his boat leaves the shore,
I jump aboard, a stowaway.
Sailing smoothly we reach land,
I’m discovered as an add on.
The Master smiles, then waves,
Come and follow me!
Walking in his footsteps evermore.
Step by step, with one accord,
Let’s walk in concord with the Lord!